Cozy Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe for Holiday Magic

Festive baking takes on a whole new meaning with these delightful gingerbread crinkle cookies that blend warm spices and sweet charm.

Winter celebrations come alive with each bite of these magical treats.

The delicate crinkle texture promises a delectable experience that dances between crisp edges and soft centers.

Molasses and ginger weave their aromatic spell, creating a nostalgic sensation of holiday comfort.

Rich brown sugar and fragrant spices mingle to produce a cookie that feels like a warm embrace.

These cookies transform ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Bake a batch and watch smiles spread faster than powdered sugar on a freshly made crinkle cookie.

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies – What Sets Them Apart

• Dive into a world of warm, spicy gingerbread that captures the essence of holiday cheer in every single bite.
• Whip up these cookies with minimal fuss, perfect for bakers of all skill levels – from newbie to seasoned pro.
• A guaranteed hit at holiday parties, family gatherings, or just as a cozy weekend baking project that brings everyone together.
• Enjoy the delightful crinkle top and soft, chewy center that makes these cookies absolutely irresistible and totally Instagram-worthy.

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie Ingredients

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides flavor and helps create a soft cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps keep the cookies moist and chewy.
• Molasses: Gives the cookies their classic gingerbread flavor and dark color.
• Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that holds the cookie together.

• Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: A warm spice blend that creates the signature gingerbread taste and aroma.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, tender texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the cookie's flavor profile.
• Milk: Helps bring the dough together and adds moisture.
• Granulated Sugar, Powdered Sugar: Used for rolling and coating the cookies, creating a classic crinkle appearance.

Gear for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and mixing dough smoothly.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure cookie success.
• Baking sheets: Necessary for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon: Helps create uniform cookie sizes.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool and crisp up properly.
• Spatula: Useful for scraping bowl and transferring dough.

Steps for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking and easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, rich brown sugar, and sticky molasses.

Blend these ingredients using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which takes approximately 3 minutes.

Gently stir in vanilla extract and milk to create a smooth, cohesive liquid base.

Step 3: Create Spiced Dough

Gradually fold in all-purpose flour, warming spices like ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, along with salt and baking soda.

Mix until ingredients are just incorporated.

The dough might appear slightly crumbly at first, but this is perfectly normal.

Step 4: Shape Delightful Treats

Scoop out generous portions of dough using a cookie scoop, creating balls about 3 tablespoons in size.

Roll each ball in a combination of granulated and powdered sugar, ensuring complete coverage.

Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, gently pressing down to slightly flatten.

Refrigerate the shaped cookies for 1 hour to enhance flavor and texture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until edges are slightly crisp and centers remain soft.

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to complete cooling.

Gingerbread Crinkle Tips to Remember

• Let the dough rest for 30 minutes before rolling to help ingredients bind and reduce crumbling.
• Mix granulated and powdered sugar for a more dramatic crinkle effect and beautiful white contrast.
• Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother, more evenly mixed dough.
• Adjust ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to personal taste, but keep proportions similar for consistent flavor.
• Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness and prevent hardening.

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie Variations

• Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive bakers.
• Vegan Spice Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and replace eggs with ground flaxseed to create dairy-free version.
• Low-Sugar Ginger Cookies: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for diabetic-friendly option with reduced calories.
• Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies: Add cocoa powder to dry ingredients and include dark chocolate chips for rich, decadent chocolate-ginger combination.

Serving Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and fresh rosemary sprigs for a charming seasonal display.
• Cozy Dessert Pairing: Serve warm cookies alongside a mug of spiced hot apple cider or creamy eggnog for ultimate winter comfort.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Stack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, perfect for holiday gifting to friends and family.
• Gourmet Dessert Plate: Dust cookies with extra powdered sugar, add a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, and drizzle with caramel sauce for an elegant touch.

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookie Storage

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain soft texture.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm individual cookies for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check to avoid overheating, which can make cookies tough or dry.
• Restore crisp edges by placing cookies on baking sheet, then warm at 300F for 3-5 minutes. Brings back just-baked warmth and texture.

FAQs

• Why are my cookies crumbly?

The dough naturally looks crumbly when first mixed, but it will come together when you knead it slightly. If too dry, add a teaspoon of milk to help bind the ingredients.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate up to 3 days before baking. This actually helps develop deeper flavor and makes the spices more intense.

• How do I get the perfect crinkle effect?

Roll the cookie dough balls generously in powdered sugar before baking. The sugar creates those beautiful crackled tops when the cookies spread and bake.

• What spices give gingerbread cookies their signature taste?

Typically ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg create the classic warm, spicy flavor that makes gingerbread cookies so delicious and festive.

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive gingerbread crinkle cookies bring holiday cheer with their delightful spiced charm. Powdered sugar coating creates a beautiful contrast against rich molasses-infused dough, making these treats perfect for seasonal celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/3 cups dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare workstation by lining baking sheets with parchment paper and preheating oven to 375°F.
2. Combine butter, brown sugar, and molasses in a mixing bowl, whipping until light and airy for approximately 3 minutes. Incorporate vanilla extract and milk, blending thoroughly.
3. Gradually fold in flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda, mixing until ingredients are just integrated. The mixture might appear slightly crumbly initially.
4. Using a cookie scoop, form rounded dough portions. Roll each ball generously in powdered and granulated sugars, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Gently press cookie balls to slightly flatten, creating a more uniform shape. Refrigerate for 60 minutes to enhance flavor development and prevent excessive spreading.
6. Transfer chilled cookies to prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly to allow proper air circulation.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and tops display characteristic crackled appearance.
8. Remove from oven and allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 10 minutes, permitting gentle cooling and texture stabilization before transferring to wire rack.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to suit personal taste preferences.
• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
• Use blackstrap molasses for deeper, richer flavor if traditional molasses seems too mild.
• Gluten-free option works perfectly by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg